AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), a space-based cellular broadband technology provider, has embarked on a significant milestone in its journey towards global connectivity. The company has announced the commencement of the tape-out phase for its Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), in partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a world-renowned foundry.
This development marks a crucial step forward in AST SpaceMobile’s ambitious endeavor to construct the first-ever space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones. The ASIC, designated as the cornerstone of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block 2 program, represents a novel, custom, and low-power architecture engineered to facilitate a remarkable up to tenfold improvement in processing bandwidth on each satellite.
The collaboration with TSMC, recognized as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, underscores AST SpaceMobile’s commitment to leveraging top-tier expertise and resources in the industry. Together, AST SpaceMobile and TSMC aim to unlock unprecedented opportunities for seamless global connectivity, catering to both commercial and government users.
Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile, expressed profound pride in the achievement, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the team. Avellan emphasized, “The commencement of the tape-out process for our ASIC, in collaboration with TSMC and other leaders in the semiconductor industry, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our talented team.”
The ASIC’s significance lies in its potential to revolutionize space-based cellular broadband services worldwide. With AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird Block 2 program, the ASIC promises to empower individuals with reliable connectivity, irrespective of their geographical location. This transformative technology is poised to address the escalating demand for global connectivity, bridging the gap between remote regions and urban centers.
AST SpaceMobile’s vision for the future encompasses achieving unprecedented processing bandwidth per satellite, enabling the delivery of high-speed data services on a global scale. Through strategic investments from industry giants such as AT&T, Google, and Vodafone, as well as a recent contract award from the United States Government, AST SpaceMobile is poised for continued growth and innovation.
Furthermore, the company’s extensive patent portfolio and state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities in Midland, Texas, underscore its commitment to excellence and technological advancement. With agreements and understandings with over 40 mobile network operators worldwide, AST SpaceMobile is poised to reshape the landscape of satellite communications.
As the company advances towards the orbital launch of its Block 1 BlueBird satellites in the coming months, the tape-out phase for its ASIC represents a pivotal achievement, propelling AST SpaceMobile closer to realizing its vision of a connected world empowered by space-based cellular broadband technology.
